December 09, 2008

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Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), not surprisingly, isn’t happy that a three-judge Minnesota appellate panel has rejected his attempt to withdraw the guilty plea in his airport bathroom sex case.

“I am extremely disappointed by the action of the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” the Idaho Republican said in a statement. “I disagree with their conclusion and remain steadfast in my belief that nothing criminal or improper occurred at the Minneapolis airport. I maintain my innocence, and currently my attorneys and I are reviewing the decision and looking into the possibility of appealing.

“I would like to thank all of those who have continued to support me and my family throughout this difficult time.”

Craig was arrested on June 11, 2007, during an undercover sex sting operation in a bathroom at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

He quietly pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, but he changed his mind and decided to fight the charge two months later when his arrest became public.

Craig did not seek reelection to a fourth term. He will be succeeded by a fellow Republican, Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch.